How to Get a Class M Motorcycle License in Texas: Steps and Fees

To get a Class M motorcycle license in Texas, complete an approved motorcycle safety course, gather your identity and residency documents, and apply in person at a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office. Most adults who already hold an unrestricted Texas driver license will have both the written knowledge exam and the riding skills test waived, so the safety course effectively serves as the exam. Riders under 18 face extra requirements and always have to take the skills test.¹

Endorsement or Standalone Class M

You have two options. If you already hold a Texas Class A, B, or C driver license, you add a motorcycle endorsement to it. If you don’t have a regular driver license and only want to ride motorcycles, you apply for a standalone Class M. The steps are nearly identical; the fee is different.

Age Requirements

Your age determines what you have to do and what you can ride.

18 and Older

Adults have the simplest path. Complete an approved motorcycle safety course, hold a valid unrestricted Texas Class A, B, or C license, and bring both to a DPS office. Meet those two conditions and DPS waives both the written exam and the skills test. If you don’t already hold an unrestricted Texas license, you’ll still take the skills test and will need to present a valid Impact Texas Drivers (ITD) certificate of completion before testing.¹

Ages 15 to 17

Minors have more to do. You need at least a Class C provisional license, or a Class C learner license with the 24-hour classroom portion of driver education completed. A parent or legal guardian has to be present when you apply, and you’ll need to bring a high school diploma, GED, or a Verification of Enrollment and Attendance (VOE) form from your school.¹

The skills test is never waived for anyone under 18, even with the safety course completed.¹

Fifteen-year-olds are also limited to motorcycles with a piston displacement under 250 cubic centimeters. That “I” restriction comes off automatically at 16.¹

Step 1: Take an Approved Motorcycle Safety Course

Every applicant, adult or minor, has to complete a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The course combines classroom instruction with hands-on riding and covers basic operation, traffic laws, and hazard avoidance.²

When you pass, you’ll receive a completion certificate called form MSB-8. Keep it. DPS requires the certificate at your application, and it’s only valid for licensing for 24 months from the completion date. After that, you’d have to retake the course.

Costs run roughly $200 to $300 depending on the provider and schedule. Most schools supply a training motorcycle, so you don’t need to own one yet. Approved providers are searchable through TDLR’s website.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Texas follows federal REAL ID standards for identity verification, so bring more than you think you need.¹

Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence — a valid U.S. passport, an original or certified U.S. birth certificate, or another qualifying document.³
Two documents proving Texas residency, such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or cell phone bill showing your name and Texas address.⁴
Your actual Social Security card.³
A current Texas driver license or state ID, if you have one.
Your MSB-8 course completion certificate.
If you’re a minor: a parent or legal guardian in person, plus your diploma, GED, or VOE.¹

If you plan to take the skills test on your own motorcycle, it has to have current Texas registration and insurance. DPS won’t test you on an unregistered or uninsured bike.

Step 3: Apply at a DPS Office

You have to apply in person. Book an appointment through the DPS website; walk-in waits are long at many locations. At the office, you’ll fill out the application (form DL-14A for applicants 17 years and 10 months or older), hand over your documents, take a vision test, get your photo taken, and give fingerprints.⁵

The Written and Skills Tests

If you completed an approved TDLR safety course, the written knowledge exam is waived.⁶ Since the course is required of every applicant, most people never sit for the written test. It generally only becomes relevant if your MSB-8 has expired.

The riding skills test evaluates controlled turns, stops, swerves, and obstacle avoidance on a course at the DPS office. Whether you take it depends on your situation:

Waived if you’re 18 or older, completed the safety course, and hold a valid unrestricted Texas Class A, B, or C license.¹
Waived if you’re 18 or older and transferring a valid unrestricted motorcycle license from another state or Canadian province.
Required if you’re under 18, regardless of whether you finished the course.
Required if you’re 18 or older but don’t hold a current unrestricted Texas Class A, B, or C license.

Vision Screening

DPS checks your eyesight on-site. You need at least 20/70 in your best eye or with both eyes together, corrective lenses allowed.⁷ Bring your glasses or contacts if you use them; a corrective-lenses restriction will appear on your license.

Fees

You pay when you apply. Most DPS offices accept cash, check, money order, and debit or credit cards.⁸

Adding a motorcycle endorsement to an existing driver license: $16
New Texas driver license with motorcycle endorsement: $48
Standalone Class M license (new): $33
Class M renewal: $44
Motorcycle learner license (under 18): $16

The Motorcycle Learner License

If you’re not ready to take the safety course yet, Texas offers a motorcycle learner license, shown on your license as a “J” restriction. With the J, you can practice on the road, but only when a licensed motorcycle operator at least 21 years old is within your line of sight.¹

To drop the J and get a full Class M endorsement, complete the safety course and bring your MSB-8 to DPS. Minors also have to pass the skills test to have the restriction removed.¹

Insurance Before You Ride

Texas requires liability insurance on any motorcycle you ride on public roads. The state minimums are $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage per accident.⁹ You’ll need proof of coverage if you bring your own bike for the skills test, and every time you ride after that.

When You’ll Get Your License

Once your documents, tests, fees, and vision check out, DPS issues a temporary paper Class M license or endorsement on the spot, and you can ride legally right away. Your permanent card arrives by mail, generally in two to three weeks. If it doesn’t show up in that window, check the status on the DPS website or contact their office.¹⁰

1
Texas Department of Public Safety. Motorcycle License
2
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Motorcycle Operator Training Manual
3
Texas Department of Public Safety. Identification Requirements
4
Texas Department of Public Safety. DL-15 Application for an Original Texas Driver License or Identification Card
5
Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas Driver License or Identification Card Application – Form DL-14A
6
Cornell Law Institute. Texas Administrative Code Title 37 15.55 – Class M License
7
Cornell Law Institute. Texas Administrative Code Title 37 15.51 – Vision Standards
8
Texas Department of Public Safety. Driver License Fees
9
Texas Department of Insurance. Motorcycles
10
Texas Department of Public Safety. Where’s My Driver License or ID Card